Re: Maria

When G. Zerby posted regarding his grandparents (the parents of Maria) I e-mailed him at the address he provided. I received a response which seemed real genuine to me regarding him being concerned for his grandparents and anything that may be done to hurt them emotionally. I wrote to him that from what I remembered when the topic of the grandparents came up, it was discussed where they were and the type of work they were doing which seemed to be genuine work with the elderly.
GZ was at the time unaware of what the family is all about. After all, he is a Christian and so are his grandparents and remembering the modus operandi of the family, when communicating with relatives, they were sure only to hear about whatever would elicit support from them. And apparently they heard very little and only superficial dressed-up-nicely in Christian speak. Certainly the grandparents and the nephew do not endorse her lifestyle even with the limited knowlege they seem to have about it. I referred Gene to some articles because he is curious about it.
It kind of chills me to read suppositions or even publicised questions regarding whether or not KZ was sexually abused by them or other relatives. Sure, the things she did and does would be a reason to have that question, but imo, unfair to address to strangers who have a background of high ethics and work with elderly and have a solid reputation in their community. Sure, some perps have this kind of appearance, but for the sake of those who are not perps, I don't want to accuse or suggest this. (In this case, are adamant that they did not.) At the time Zerby joined, she is said to have been deeply religious and more conservative of the kids, but also influenced by the times and the excitement which the family generated to the then unknowing average disciple. If anything, she was likely abused by Berg early on but found it flattering because of his position. This would be a result in part of something lacking in her own character. She was also obviously privy to doctrines that would only come out in the open years later, and was all for it and part of it all. I believe this has nothing to do with her grandparents. Most probably for her family members, they not only lost their daughter/aunt or whatever, but are greived by what little they know that she is doing. i feel for them. But not for Karen aka "Maria". She is in the unique position of being the only one in the family with full power to turn things around, though after all her years in and after all she has participated in and initiated herself, that would be a daunting task. She would have to face all that she has been a part of as the head of the family. And that is one huge mess! Perhaps her psyche can't handle that kind of internal assessment.